It was one heck of a night

Last week, the Automotive Hall of Fame celebrated its 75th anniversary and inducted four people.

I was very honored to be one of them, along with data guru Dave Power; Ferdinand Piech, chairman of Volkswagen AG's supervisory board and grandson of Ferdinand Porsche; and the late Alex Tremulis, a noted designer for Ford Motor Co. and other automakers.

The ceremony was held at Detroit's College for Creative Studies, an institution I have been involved with for decades. We were in the original design studio of General Motors, just a few steps from the former office of legendary designer Harley Earl. It was a perfect setting for a diamond anniversary celebration.

I was pleased and honored to have my longtime friend Roger Penske introduce me, along with a video that included comments from Edsel Ford; Mike Jackson, AutoNation's CEO; Mark Reuss, General Motors' product development chief; and Peter Brown, the former publisher of Automotive News.

It was overwhelming, with more than 400 attendees from all aspects of this wonderful business. Manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and educators were all represented in an audience of dignitaries and notables from all across the country. It was an impressive group.

To join fewer than 300 people from this industry in the Automotive Hall of Fame is quite an honor. When I look at the list of previous inductees, I find it staggering to think that I have become a part of this historic and illustrious group.

Dave Power and I shared the stage, and it was wonderful to see him acknowledged for all his contributions for consumers. His remarks were charming.

I enjoyed having so many friends in attendance.

I have had more than four decades in this business, witnessing great triumphs, fascinating failures and many entertaining battles, all sorts of stories.

I have had a front-row seat for the most exciting industry on the planet with the most interesting executives. The automobile industry has always attracted the best and the brightest.

What a wonderful spot for Automotive News and for me.

It was a night I will never forget, surrounded by friends and colleagues.

The Automotive Hall of Fame is an important part of this industry, recognizing the people who have made important contributions to the business over more than a century. Every year, it inducts individuals who will be remembered for their contributions.